Mary Ella S. Williams

Chesapeake – Mary Ella Saunders Williams of South Norfolk, Virginia passed away peacefully July 29th, 2010 at the age of eight-five after a full life. Born in Northampton County, Virginia, she was a daughter of the late George T. and Emma Lewis Saunders of Willis Wharf, Virginia. She was married to Preston L. Williams, Sr. for forty-seven years.

Mary retired from Sears after thirty-four years of service during which time she formed many special friendships. She was a member of the South Norfolk Congregational Christian Church, the South Norfolk Senior Citizens Group, “The Niner’s”; and the Sears retiree group, “The Second Tuesday Club”. Mary’s love, friendship and wit will be missed by all who knew her.

As a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Mary is survived by her sisters Georgie and husband Conway Stevens and Dora Z. Bell, all of Keller, Virginia and her sister-in-law, Dolaris Saunders of Tupalo, Mississippi. She is also survived by her children: George T. and Sue Jernigan of Franklin, Virginia; George and Kathy Williams of Birmingham, Alabama; Dayton and Kay Davis of Bassett, Virginia; Preston and Jessica Williams of Duck, North Carolina; Gary and Carlene Williams of Edenton, North Carolina; and James “Burt” and Wendy Williams of Franklin, Virginia. Mary had twelve grandchildren and fourteen great-grand- children with one on the way. Mary is predeceased by her sister, Julia S. Smith of Exmore, Virginia and her brother, W. Thomas Saunders of Easley, South Carolina.

Visitation will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, August 2nd, 2010 at Wright Funeral Home in Franklin, Virginia with the memorial service following at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Amos Eby officiating. The burial will be held at Southampton Memorial Park, in Franklin, Virginia. Family and friends will be received at the home of Steve and Kelli Gillette on Hunt Club Drive in Courtland, Virginia after the services. www.wrightfuneralhome.org